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Gomez doing just fine after blow

Gomez doing just fine after blow

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By Kelly Thesier
/
MLB.com |

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Twins outfielder Carlos Gomez left Sunday's Spring Training game against the Blue Jays in the fifth inning after he had the wind knocked out of him while making a spectacular catch against the outfield wall.

The play occurred with one out in the fifth and a runner on third base. Blue Jays left fielder Matt Watson hit a ball deep to right-center field. Gomez ran back full speed to the wall and made an over-the-shoulder catch almost at the same time he struck the wall face-first.

Gomez was able to make an underhand toss to right fielder Michael Cuddyer, but he lay on the ground for a few minutes. Twins assistant trainer Dave Pruemer and manager Ron Gardenhire ran out to check on Gomez. The center fielder was removed from the game and replaced by Jason Pridie, but he was able to walk off the field of his own accord.

Gardenhire said after the game that Gomez should be fine. The skipper was then asked if the center fielder would have remained in the game had it been a regular-season contest.

"I don't know," Gardenhire said. "I couldn't understand a word he said. So I just said, 'Come with me.'

"We've got more players for a Spring Training game. I might have tried to get an interpreter during the season."

Kelly Thesier is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.